Sex Therapists and the Problem of Sexual Desire Discrepancy in the Relationship

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the approaches of 46 Polish sex therapists to treating low sexual desire and desire discrepancy in couples. Utilizing thematic analysis of in-depth interviews, the study revealed that therapists' interventions were significantly shaped by their perspectives on the importance of partnered sex within relationships and the role of non-sexual motivations. Proposed solutions focused mainly on resolving psychological issues related to desire discrepancies, increasing one's desire for sex, and increasing the frequency of couple sex. Psychological and behavioral approaches were notably preferred over medical ways of regulating desire level. Certain theoretical concepts (e.g., responsive desire model and psychological differentiation theory) and normative assumptions about sexual autonomy were particularly popular. The study is the first to identify therapists' actual ways of thinking about goals and methods of approaching differences in desire in couples and, as such, can contribute to better integration of theory and practice by identifying scientific concepts that are particularly useful or problematic for therapists.